If you’re comparing the Ping G440 irons vs Taylormade Qi irons, you’re looking at two of the best-performing game-improvement irons on the market.
I’ve tested both extensively on the course and with launch monitor data, and this post breaks down everything I learned.
I’m a 7ish handicap working toward a 2, and golf gear tester since 2015.
Quick Summary: Similar but different.
- Sound, feel (good, not great), and forgiveness are similar.
- I hit the G440s much higher and farther. (I suspect some of that is owed to swing differences at the time of testing)
- It comes down to looks, launch, and which one gives you more confidence at address.
Let’s dive deeper.
In this comparison, I break down my testing of both sets—from looks and feel to forgiveness and playability—so you can confidently choose the right iron for your game.
Ping G440 Irons
Set Tested: 4–UW, Black Dot
Shaft: Ping AWT 3.0 Stiff Flex (Made by Nippon)
Why Consider the them?
The Ping G440 irons combine distance, forgiveness, and a clean look—ideal for mid-to-high handicappers.
A thinner, faster face boosts ball speed and distance, even on off-center hits. The PurFlex badge improves feel and sound.
They launch high and straight thanks to a low center of gravity and compact shaping. High MOI keeps dispersion tight and helps you hit more greens.
G440 Specs
Club | Loft | Lie | Length |
---|---|---|---|
4 | 19* | 60.5* | 39 1/4″ |
5 | 22* | 61* | 38 1/2″ |
6 | 25.5* | 61.5* | 38 3/4″ |
7 | 29* | 62* | 37 ″ |
8 | 33* | 62.8* | 36 1/2″ |
9 | 37* | 63.5* | 36″ |
PW | 42* | 64.1* | 35 1/2″ |
AW | 47* | 64.1* | 35 1/2″ |
Ping G440 7-Iron Launch Monitor Data
Metric | Ping G440 |
Club Speed (mph) | 80 |
Ball Speed (mph) | 116 |
Carry Distance (yds) | 181 |
Launch Angle (°) | 16.7 |
Peak Height (ft) | 85 |
Customer Reviews – What Others Are Saying
There are 6 reviews and all 5-star at Ping’s website.(1)
The Gist:
- “Classic Ping feel with a cleaner, confidence-inspiring look.”
- “Improved my index by two strokes in a couple of weeks.”
- “Better than Mizuno and Srixon I tested. Incredible numbers and feel.”
- “High launch, solid distance—even at 72 mph swing speed.”
- “If you’re a high handicapper trying to level up, these are game-changers.”
Taylormade Qi Irons
Set Tested: 4 & 5 hybrid, 6-iron – PW
Iron Shaft: KBS Max MT 85 g stiff
Rescue Shaft: Ventus Blue TR stiff
Taylormade’s Qi irons are engineered to produce one thing: straight, forgiving shots.
They’re designed to fix the most common issue for average golfers — missing right — and they do it with:
- Cap Back™ + Speed Pocket™ design for faster ball speeds and high launch.
- FLTD CG™ — center of gravity is optimized for each iron to improve gapping and playability.
- Straight Flight Bias — unlike other GI irons, the Qi irons reduce side spin and help keep shots online.
- Solid, confidence-inspiring profile at address.
From my testing, these irons deliver:
- Excellent forgiveness on toe strikes.
- Predictable, repeatable ball flights.
- Lower launch than G440s — so lower ball hitters should test before buying.
They’re ideal for:
- Golfers who fight a slice or fade
- Players who want distance without unpredictability
- Mid and high handicaps looking for a “point-and-shoot” iron
Taylormade Qi Combo Set Specs
Club | Loft (°) | Lie (°) | Length (in) |
---|---|---|---|
4 Rescue | 22 | 58.5 | 40.25 |
5 Rescue | 25 | 59.0 | 39.75 |
6 Iron | 24 | 62.5 | 37.88 |
7 Iron | 28 | 63.0 | 37.25 |
8 Iron | 32 | 63.5 | 36.75 |
9 Iron | 37 | 64.0 | 36.25 |
PW | 43 | 64.5 | 35.75 |
AW | 49 | 64.5 | 35.5 |
Taylormade Qi 7-Iron Launch Monitor Data
Note: I didn’t record numbers for the G425s at the time of testing, but based on on-course experience, their performance is similar.
Customer Reviews – What Others Are Saying
The Qi irons average 4.8 stars from 797 reviews.(1)
One consistent knock: a few reported quality control issues early after launch, like clubheads loosening. However, those appear rare.
The Gist:
- “Increased my scores by 3 strokes since switching.”
- “Longer and straighter than my old set — especially on off-center hits.”
- “Feel amazing when flushed, but still forgiving on mishits.”
- “Confidence booster — love the look at address.”
Key Differences: Ping G440s vs Taylormade Qis
They have the same playing characteristics of forgiveness and help with distance. Feel was also similar.
I hit the G440s farther and higher on average than the Qis, which are some of the lower flying game improvement irons out there.
Category | G440s | Qis |
---|---|---|
Looks | B | B- |
Sound/Feel | B | B |
Distance | A | B |
Forgiveness | A | A |
Flight/Launch | A | B |
Value | A- (~$157/club) | A (~$143/club) |
7-Iron Launch Monitor Data: G440 vs Qi
Note: Seems clear from the table below that the higher launch and carry meant more yardage for the G440 7-iron.
Metric | Ping G440 | Taylormade Qi |
---|---|---|
Club Speed | 80 mph | 82.6 mph |
Ball Speed | 116 mph | 113.6 mph |
Carry Distance | 181 yds | 168.3 yds |
Launch Angle | 16.7° | 13.2° |
Peak Height | 85 ft | 51 ft |
Looks – G440s
I like, don’t love the G440 cosmetics. The heads look forgiving and set up great behind the ball for added confidence.
The Qis are pretty plain, which I’m generally a fan of. But they don’t do it for me.
Sound/Feel – Draw
They both sound good and only slightly clicky when you catch the sweet spot. The click is more pronounced the worse the contact.
Distance – G440s
They launch easier and fligh higher, which accounted for the distance difference. My swing speed and ball speed were better for the Qis.
Forgiveness – Draw
They’re both generous and allow for healthy misses without severe punishment.
Launch/Flight – G440s
The Qi’s launch and fly lower, but they hold their line well and I found them accurate. They’re both workable and can be flighted.
Value – Qis.
They’ve been out a while and are priced accordingly.
G440s – ~$157/club
G425s – ~$143/club new
Final Verdict
Ping G440s and
- Equally forgiving.
- Similar sound and feel.
Which should you choose?
Need max help with launch and distance?
It’s the G440s for you.
Need less help with launch and/or distance?
It’s the Qis for you.
As always, my #1 suggestion is to test both sets before you buy. Either at your local shop or through Global Golf’s Utry program.
Thanks for checking out our Ping G440 Irons vs
Primary Rating:
4.6
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Primary Rating:
4.5
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~$157/club
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~$143/club
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Pros:
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Pros:
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Cons:
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Cons:
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- Large, forgiving clubheads
- Plenty distance
- Good sound and feel
- Launch the ball well
- Not a big improvement over G430 irons
- Solid forgiveness & distance across the face
- Launch well w/ good trajectory
- Good sound and feel
- Launch may be a low for some